Federal Aviation Regulations Part 101 (Section 307, 72 Statute 749, 49 United States
Code 1348, Airspace Control and Facilities, Federal Aviation Act of 1958)
PART 101--MOORED BALLOONS, KITES, UNMANNED ROCKETS AND UNMANNED FREE BALLOONS
Subpart A--General
Sec.
101.1 Applicability.
101.3 Waivers.
101.5 Operations in prohibited or restricted areas.
101.7 Hazardous operations.
Subpart B--Moored Balloons and Kites
101.11 Applicability.
101.13 Operating limitations.
101.15 Notice requirements.
101.17 Lighting and marking requirements.
101.19 Rapid deflation device.
Subpart C--Unmanned Rockets
101.21 Applicability.
101.22 Special provisions for large model rockets.
101.23 Operating limitations.
101.25 Notice requirements.
Subpart D--Unmanned Free Balloons
101.31 Applicability.
101.33 Operating limitations.
101.35 Equipment and marking requirements.
101.37 Notice requirements.
101.39 Balloon position reports.
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40103, 40113-40114, 45302, 44502, 44514,
44701-44702, 44721, 46308.
Subpart A--General
Sec. 101.1 Applicability.
(a) This part prescribes rules governing the operation in the United States,
of the following:
(1) Except as provided for in Sec. 101.7, any balloon that is moored to the
surface of the earth or an object thereon and that has a diameter of more
than 6 feet or a gas capacity of more than 115 cubic feet.
(2) Except as provided for in Sec. 101.7, any kite that weighs more than 5
pounds and is intended to be flown at the end of a rope or cable.
(3) Any unmanned rocket except:
(i) Aerial firework displays; and,
(ii) Model rockets:
(a) Using not more than four ounces of propellant;
(b) Using a slow-burning propellant;
(c) Made of paper, wood, or breakable plastic, containing no substantial
metal parts and weighing not more than 16 ounces, including the propellant;
and
(d) Operated in a manner that does not create a hazard to persons,
property, or other aircraft.
(4) Except as provided for in Sec. 101.7, any unmanned free balloon that--
(i) Carries a payload package that weighs more than four pounds and has a
weight/size ratio of more than three ounces per square inch on any surface of
the package, determined by dividing the total weight in ounces of the payload
package by the area in square inches of its smallest surface;
(ii) Carries a payload package that weighs more than six pounds;
(iii) Carries a payload, of two or more packages, that weighs more than 12
pounds; or
(iv) Uses a rope or other device for suspension of the payload that
requires an impact force of more than 50 pounds to separate the suspended
payload from the balloon.
(b) For the purposes of this part, a "gyroglider" attached to a vehicle on
the surface of the earth is considered to be a kite.
[Doc. No. 1580, 28 FR 6721, June 29, 1963, as amended by Amdt. 101-1, 29 FR
46, Jan. 3, 1964; Amdt. 101-3, 35 FR 8213, May 26, 1970]
Sec. 101.3 Waivers.
No person may conduct operations that require a deviation from this part
except under a certificate of waiver issued by the Administrator.
[Doc. No. 1580, 28 FR 6721, June 29, 1963]
Sec. 101.5 Operations in prohibited or restricted areas.
No person may operate a moored balloon, kite, unmanned rocket, or unmanned
free balloon in a prohibited or restricted area unless he has permission from
the using or controlling agency, as appropriate.
[Amdt. 101-1, 29 FR 46, Jan. 3, 1964]
Sec. 101.7 Hazardous operations.
(a) No person may operate any moored balloon, kite, unmanned rocket, or
unmanned free balloon in a manner that creates a hazard to other persons, or
their property.
(b) No person operating any moored balloon, kite, unmanned rocket, or
unmanned free balloon may allow an object to be dropped therefrom, if such
action creates a hazard to other persons or their property.
(Sec. 6(c), Department of Transportation Act (49 U.S.C. 1655(c)))
[Doc. No. 12800, Amdt. 101-4, 39 FR 22252, June 21, 1974]
Subpart B--Moored Balloons and Kites
Source: Docket No. 1580, 28 FR 6722 June 29, 1963, unless otherwise noted.
Sec. 101.11 Applicability.
This subpart applies to the operation of moored balloons and kites.
However, a person operating a moored balloon or kite within a restricted area
must comply only with Sec. 101.19 and with additional limitations imposed by
the using or controlling agency, as appropriate.
Sec. 101.13 Operating limitations.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, no person may
operate a moored balloon or kite--
(1) Less than 500 feet from the base of any cloud;
(2) More than 500 feet above the surface of the earth;
(3) From an area where the ground visibility is less than three miles; or
(4) Within five miles of the boundary of any airport.
(b) Paragraph (a) of this section does not apply to the operation of a
balloon or kite below the top of any structure and within 250 feet of it, if
that shielded operation does not obscure any lighting on the structure.
Sec. 101.15 Notice requirements.
No person may operate an unshielded moored balloon or kite more than 150
feet above the surface of the earth unless, at least 24 hours before
beginning the operation, he gives the following information to the FAA ATC
facility that is nearest to the place of intended operation:
(a) The names and addresses of the owners and operators.
(b) The size of the balloon or the size and weight of the kite.
(c) The location of the operation.
(d) The height above the surface of the earth at which the balloon or kite
is to be operated.
(e) The date, time, and duration of the operation.
Sec. 101.17 Lighting and marking requirements.
(a) No person may operate a moored balloon or kite, between sunset and
sunrise unless the balloon or kite, and its mooring lines, are lighted so as
to give a visual warning equal to that required for obstructions to air
navigation in the FAA publication "Obstruction Marking and Lighting".
(b) No person may operate a moored balloon or kite between sunrise and
sunset unless its mooring lines have colored pennants or streamers attached
at not more than 50 foot intervals beginning at 150 feet above the surface of
the earth and visible for at least one mile.
(Sec. 6(c), Department of Transportation Act (49 U.S.C. 1655(c)))
[Doc. No. 1580, 28 FR 6722, June 29, 1963, as amended by Amdt. 101-4, 39 FR
22252, June 21, 1974]
Sec. 101.19 Rapid deflation device.
No person may operate a moored balloon unless it has a device that will
automatically and rapidly deflate the balloon if it escapes from its
moorings. If the device does not function properly, the operator shall
immediately notify the nearest ATC facility of the location and time of the
escape and the estimated flight path of the balloon.
Subpart C--Unmanned Rockets
Source: Docket No. 1580, 28 FR 6722, June 29, 1963, unless otherwise noted.
Sec. 101.21 Applicability.
This subpart applies to the operation of unmanned rockets. However, a
person operating an unmanned rocket within a restricted area must comply only
with Sec. 101.23(g) and with additional limitations imposed by the using or
controlling agency, as appropriate.
Sec. 101.22 Special provisions for large model rockets.
Persons operating model rockets that use not more than 125 grams of
propellant; that are made of paper, wood, or breakable plastic; that contain
no substantial metal parts, and that weigh not more than 1,500 grams,
including the propellant, need not comply with Sec. 101.23 (b), (c), (g), and
(h), provided:
(a) That person complies with all provisions of Sec. 101.25; and
(b) The operation is not conducted within 5 miles of an airport runway or
other landing area unless the information required in Sec. 101.25 is also
provided to the manager of that airport.
[Amdt. 101-6, 59 FR 50393, Oct. 3, 1994]
Sec. 101.23 Operating limitations.
No person may operate an unmanned rocket--
(a) In a manner that creates a collision hazard with other aircraft;
(b) In controlled airspace;
(c) Within five miles of the boundary of any airport;
(d) At any altitude where clouds or obscuring phenomena of more than five-
tenths coverage prevails;
(e) At any altitude where the horizontal visibility is less than five
miles;
(f) Into any cloud;
(g) Within 1,500 feet of any person or property that is not associated with
the operations; or
(h) Between sunset and sunrise.
(Sec. 6(c), Department of Transportation Act (49 U.S.C. 1655(c)))
[Doc. No. 1580, 28 FR 6722, June 29, 1963, as amended by Amdt. 101-4, 39 FR
22252, June 21, 1974]
Sec. 101.25 Notice requirements.
No person may operate an unmanned rocket unless that person gives the
following information to the FAA ATC facility nearest to the place of
intended operation no less than 24 hours prior to and no more than 48 hours
prior to beginning the operation:
(a) The names and addresses of the operators; except when there are
multiple participants at a single event, the name and address of the person
so designated as the event launch coordinator, whose duties include
coordination of the required launch data estimates and coordinating the
launch event;
(b) The estimated number of rockets to be operated;
(c) The estimated size and the estimated weight of each rocket; and
(d) The estimated highest altitude or flight level to which each rocket
will be operated.
(e) The location of the operation.
(f) The date, time, and duration of the operation.
(g) Any other pertinent information requested by the ATC facility.
[Doc. No. 1580, 28 FR 6722, June 29, 1963, as amended by Amdt. 101-6, 59 FR
50393, Oct. 3, 1994]
Subpart D--Unmanned Free Balloons
Source: Docket No. 1457, Amdt. 101-1, 29 FR 47, Jan. 3, 1964, unless
otherwise noted.
Sec. 101.31 Applicability.
This subpart applies to the operation of unmanned free balloons. However, a
person operating an unmanned free balloon within a restricted area must
comply only with Sec. 101.33 (d) and (e) and with any additional limitations
that are imposed by the using or controlling agency, as appropriate.
Sec. 101.33 Operating limitations.
No person may operate an unmanned free balloon--
(a) Unless otherwise authorized by ATC, below 2,000 feet above the surface
within the lateral boundaries of the surface areas of Class B, Class C, Class
D, or Class E airspace designated for an airport;
(b) At any altitude where there are clouds or obscuring phenomena of more
than five-tenths coverage;
(c) At any altitude below 60,000 feet standard pressure altitude where the
horizontal visibility is less than five miles;
(d) During the first 1,000 feet of ascent, over a congested area of a city,
town, or settlement or an open-air assembly of persons not associated with
the operation; or
(e) In such a manner that impact of the balloon, or part thereof including
its payload, with the surface creates a hazard to persons or property not
associated with the operation.
[Dkt. 1457, Amdt. 101-1, 29 FR 47, Jan. 3, 1964, as amended by Amdt. 101-5,
56 FR 65662, Dec. 17, 1991]
Sec. 101.35 Equipment and marking requirements.
(a) No person may operate an unmanned free balloon unless--
(1) It is equipped with at least two payload cut-down systems or devices
that operate independently of each other;
(2) At least two methods, systems, devices, or combinations thereof, that
function independently of each other, are employed for terminating the flight
of the balloon envelope; and
(3) The balloon envelope is equipped with a radar reflective device(s) or
material that will present an echo to surface radar operating in the 200 MHz
to 2700 MHz frequency range.
The operator shall activate the appropriate devices required by paragraphs
(a) (1) and (2) of this section when weather conditions are less than those
prescribed for operation under this subpart, or if a malfunction or any other
reason makes the further operation hazardous to other air traffic or to
persons and property on the surface.
(b) No person may operate an unmanned free balloon below 60,000 feet
standard pressure altitude between sunset and sunrise (as corrected to the
altitude of operation) unless the balloon and its attachments and payload,
whether or not they become separated during the operation, are equipped with
lights that are visible for at least 5 miles and have a flash frequency of at
least 40, and not more than 100, cycles per minute.
(c) No person may operate an unmanned free balloon that is equipped with a
trailing antenna that requires an impact force of more than 50 pounds to
break it at any point, unless the antenna has colored pennants or streamers
that are attached at not more than 50 foot intervals and that are visible for
at least one mile.
(d) No person may operate between sunrise and sunset an unmanned free
balloon that is equipped with a suspension device (other than a highly
conspicuously colored open parachute) more than 50 feet along, unless the
suspension device is colored in alternate bands of high conspicuity colors or
has colored pennants or streamers attached which are visible for at least one
mile.
(Sec. 6(c), Department of Transportation Act (49 U.S.C. 1655(c)))
[Doc. No. 1457, Amdt. 101-1, 29 FR 47, Jan. 3, 1964, as amended by Amdt. 101-
2, 32 FR 5254, Mar. 29, 1967; Amdt. 101-4, 39 FR 22252, June 21, 1974]
Sec. 101.37 Notice requirements.
(a) Prelaunch notice: Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section,
no person may operate an unmanned free balloon unless, within 6 to 24 hours
before beginning the operation, he gives the following information to the FAA
ATC facility that is nearest to the place of intended operation:
(1) The balloon identification.
(2) The estimated date and time of launching, amended as necessary to
remain within plus or minus 30 minutes.
(3) The location of the launching site.
(4) The cruising altitude.
(5) The forecast trajectory and estimated time to cruising altitude or
60,000 feet standard pressure altitude, whichever is lower.
(6) The length and diameter of the balloon, length of the suspension
device, weight of the payload, and length of the trailing antenna.
(7) The duration of flight.
(8) The forecast time and location of impact with the surface of the earth.
(b) For solar or cosmic disturbance investigations involving a critical
time element, the information in paragraph (a) of this section shall be given
within 30 minutes to 24 hours before beginning the operation.
(c) Cancellation notice: If the operation is canceled, the person who
intended to conduct the operation shall immediately notify the nearest FAA
ATC facility.
(d) Launch notice: Each person operating an unmanned free balloon shall
notify the nearest FAA or military ATC facility of the launch time
immediately after the balloon is launched.
Sec. 101.39 Balloon position reports.
(a) Each person operating an unmanned free balloon shall:
(1) Unless ATC requires otherwise, monitor the course of the balloon and
record its position at least every two hours; and
(2) Forward any balloon position reports requested by ATC.
(b) One hour before beginning descent, each person operating an unmanned
free balloon shall forward to the nearest FAA ATC facility the following
information regarding the balloon:
(1) The current geographical position.
(2) The altitude.
(3) The forecast time of penetration of 60,000 feet standard pressure
altitude (if applicable).
(4) The forecast trajectory for the balance of the flight.
(5) The forecast time and location of impact with the surface of the earth.
(c) If a balloon position report is not recorded for any two-hour period of
flight, the person operating an unmanned free balloon shall immediately
notify the nearest FAA ATC facility. The notice shall include the last
recorded position and any revision of the forecast trajectory. The nearest
FAA ATC facility shall be notified immediately when tracking of the balloon
is re-established.
(d) Each person operating an unmanned free balloon shall notify the nearest
FAA ATC facility when the operation is ended.
14 CFR 101 * Amendment 101-7 * Dec. 28, 1995